It is important that a buyer carries out an appropriate level of due diligence early in the process to identify hazardous materials and emissions risks associated with the products, services or works to be procured. Hazardous materials and emissions should be considered and addressed on a case-by-case basis. The most positive sustainable outcomes will arise from early consideration of intended outcomes and optimum solutions.
Commissioning is the process of working with stakeholders to design a service. Involving key stakeholders from the outset by establishing a stakeholder group, e.g. a User Intelligence Group or through co-production events, consultations and surveys will help to achieve these. These will enable a diverse group of people to consider the contract or framework requirements from a range of viewpoints, increasing the prospect of high-quality sustainable outcomes.
In most circumstances, hazardous materials are well regulated with legislation governing their use but, in some instances, they are used within products that are regularly procured either directly or indirectly. For example, hazardous chemicals and substances can be found in cleaning products, water resistant fabrics, materials used in building and maintenance, office furniture and IT equipment.
Where products are being purchased directly the buyer should be aware of the potential emissions throughout the life cycle of the product, including its disposal and take steps to remove the hazardous material or at least minimise any harmful effects.
The Life Cycle Impact Map (LCIM) is used to identify and assess the economic, social and environmental impacts within the life cycle of a product or service, and can lead to appropriate market research. LCIM can help a buyer undertake the Sustainability Test.
Where a product is used as part of a procured service the buyer will need assurances from the service provider that any potential emissions are reduced and managed on their behalf. It is important to include supplier obligations in the specification so that it is clearly a priority for the procuring organisation, as well as allowing the supplier to ensure they can effectively meet the standards set. The management of the contract will be important to ensure any supplier obligations are met.
Early engagement with the market can help a buyer understand the current and evolving market capacity and capability, and the opportunities and risks for sustainable outcomes before starting a procurement process. It can help suppliers understand what the buyer and the organisation are looking for and is essential to allow the market to prepare for developing requirements. Market engagement can also be used to support information sharing and communicating the importance of sustainability, leading to new ideas and innovation.
The buyer should be aware of the potential hazardous materials and emissions that may be produced or used in the delivery of the product or service procured. This should include the different stages of production all throughout the supply chain.
